US President Barack Obama has weighed in on the debate over NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s controversial boycott of the national anthem. Noting the difficulties with the stand, he ultimately backed the footballer’s constitutional right to protest.

Obama made the comments at a press conference following a meeting of world leaders at the G20 Summit in China.

During another game last week, Kaepernick knelt instead of standing. His actions have divided opinions, with many political figures expressing their views on the 28-year-old football player’s actions.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said the sports star should “find a country that works better for him.”

While Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine said although he would have gone about it differently, he respected people’s “ability to act according to their conscience.”

President Obama admitted the type of protest is difficult for some to swallow.

"I think there are a lot of ways you can do it as a general matter – when it comes to the flag and the national anthem and the meaning that that holds for our men and women in uniform and those who've fought for us. That is a tough thing for them to get past to then hear what his deeper concerns are."

Army veterans, however, were among those to voice support for Kaepernick last week using the hashtag #VeteransforKaepernick

Don't use my service--or that of any veteran--to justify the silencing of black Americans. Not on my watch. #VeteransForKaepernick